Western Cape Wineries Shine in 2025 Best Of Wine Tourism and Ambassador Awards

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Wesgro, Cape Town and the Western Cape’s official agency for Tourism, Trade, and Investment Promotion, is thrilled to announce the 2025 winners of the Best Of Wine Tourism and Wine Tourism Ambassador Awards. As the steward of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network for the region’s wine-producing areas, Wesgro remains dedicated to celebrating wineries that are advancing innovation and setting new standards of excellence in the wine tourism sector.

“Wine tourism is a vital part of South Africa’s economy, attracting visitors from across the globe to experience our vineyards, wineries and wine culture. It not only supports local businesses and communities but also boosts our reputation on the global stage. With 20 wine routes, the Western Cape is one of the most competitive wine tourism regions globally,” said Wesgro CEO, Wrenelle Stander.

Originally established by Great Wine Capitals 26 years ago, the Best Of Wine Tourism Awards for 2025 underscore the global wine tourism industry’s remarkable growth. With increasing numbers of international visitors seeking genuine, immersive experiences, wine tourism has become a powerful driver of economic expansion. From vineyard tours and festivals to curated wine tastings, the sector showcases the best of the region’s rich viticultural heritage and culture.

Stander emphasised the importance of supporting the sector: “Our wineries and wine tourism experiences have been consistently recognised on the global stage. These awards are about acknowledging the pioneers who are pushing the boundaries of excellence, ensuring that we remain a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts.”

2025 Great Wine Capitals Best Of Wine Tourism Award Winners:

• Accommodation:
• Winner: Delaire Graff
• Runner-up: Brookdale Estate
• Culinary Experiences:
• Winner: FABER at Avondale
• Runner-up: Rust en Vrede
• Wine Tourism Services:
• Winner: Creation Wines
• Runner-up: Ernie Els
• Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices:
• Winner: Creation Wines
• Runner-up: Jordan Wines
• Architecture & Landscape:
• Winner: Babylonstoren
• Runner-up: Delaire Graff
• Art & Culture:
• Winner: Spier Wine Farm
• Runner-up: Delaire Graff
• Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences:
• Winner: Vergelegen Wine Estate
• Runner-up: Constantia Wine Walk

The Wine Tourism Ambassador Awards recognize wineries that exceed excellence in winemaking by committing to sustainability, innovation, and delivering unique, authentic experiences to their guests.

2025 Wine Tourism Ambassador Award Winners:

• The Wine Tourism Diversity Award:
• Winner: Van Loveren
• The Authentic South African Experience Award:
• Winner: A.A. Badenhorst Kalmoesfontein
• Runner-up: Muratie Wine Estate
• Conservation Pioneer Award:
• Winner: Hartenberg Wine Estate

A distinguished panel of expert judges conducted impartial, anonymous site visits to assess the shortlisted wineries thoroughly. Evaluation criteria included wine quality, visitor experience, sustainability efforts, and overall excellence in wine tourism.

Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Ivan Meyer said: “The wine industry plays a vital role in our economy, providing employment and showcasing our world-class wine offerings. These awards highlight the creativity and dedication of our wine producers, many of whom are setting the standard for excellence and sustainability in wine tourism.”

The winners of the 2025 Best Of Wine Tourism and Wine Tourism Ambassador Awards embody the innovation and commitment that are elevating the wine tourism industry, reinforcing the Western Cape’s reputation as a premier wine destination.